CHP highlights motorcycle safety *

OFF THE WIRE
http://www.theunion.com/article/20100514/NEWS/100519841
CHP highlights motorcycle safety *
The Union staff May is Motorcycle Safety
Awareness Month — a time when law enforcement agencies and cycling enthusiasts
ask drivers to look twice and share the road.
California is home to more that 1.2 million
licensed motorcyclists — and has seen a decade-long increase in motorcycle
injuries.
A record 586 people were killed and another
13,252 were injured in motorcycle-involved crashes throughout the state in 2008,
according to the CHP's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records Systems.
“Although the statistics are grim, California
appears to be on course to see a potential decrease for 2009 in the number of
motorcycle fatalities and collisions for the first time in several years,” said
CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “While it's encouraging, there's still much more
work ahead and challenges to overcome.”
Caltrans is displaying a safety message on state
highways: “Save a life, look twice for motorcyclists.”
The CHP strongly encourages all motorcycle riders
to sign up for the California Motorcyclist Safety Program before beginning to
ride. It offers the basic rider course for beginners and experienced rider
courses for improving skills.
CMSP officials expect to train 65,000
motorcyclists per year and operate more than 120 training sites throughout
California. To find the nearest location, visit
www.ca-msp.org